Tropical Disturbance TD03F has been upgraded to a Tropical Depression and is expected to bring heavy rain and strong northerly winds to Fiji over the coming days.
According to the Fiji Meteorological Service, TD03F remains slow-moving over open waters northeast of Vanuatu and is currently tracking southeastward between Fiji and Vanuatu.
The system is forecast to enter Fiji waters on Tuesday (16 December) and exit through the Lau Group by late Wednesday (17 December).
While TD03F has a low potential of developing into a tropical cyclone, its associated trough of low pressure is already affecting Fiji, producing overcast conditions and intermittent to persistent rainfall.
Strong northerly winds, averaging 50 km/h with gusts up to 70 km/h, are expected from Tuesday through Wednesday.
These winds will particularly affect the northern parts of Vanua Levu, Yasawa and Mamanuca Groups, northern Lau, and Lomaiviti Groups.
Mariners should expect northerly winds of 15–20 knots with moderate to rough seas, worsening to up to 30 knots with gusts of 40 knots on Wednesday over Vanua Levu waters, the Yasawa and Mamanuca Groups, the Koro Sea, and northern Lau waters.
The tropical depression is forecast to maintain unsettled conditions across Fiji through Wednesday, with rainfall increasing as TD03F approaches from the west.
Gradual improvement is expected from Thursday.
